Posts by David Mendez-Yapkowitz

David has been with The Next team since the High Post Hoops days when he joined the staff in 2018. He is based in Los Angeles and covers the LA Sparks, Pac-12 Conference, Big West Conference and some high school as well.

Los Angeles Sparks interim head coach Fred Williams (in purple) looks on during a game against Mike Thibault (in gray) and the Washington Mystics at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 7, 2022. (Photo credit: Domenic Allegra)

Fred Williams departs for Auburn following tough season in LA

August 19, 2022

Despite a disappointing year, Williams was able to grow as a coach and find meaning in the season

LA Sparks off-ball guard Brittney Sykes pulls the ball towards her stomach with both arms in preparation to pass

Los Angeles Sparks reflect on end of a chaotic season

August 15, 2022

‘I’m tired of losing’

LA Sparks off-ball guard Brittney Sykes pulls the ball towards her stomach with both arms in preparation to pass

After two losses in New York, where do Sparks go from here?

August 5, 2022

What needs to change against the Atlanta Dream?

Los Angeles Sparks center Liz Cambage dribbles while posting-up Connecticut Sun center Brionna Jones in the low post

Inside Liz Cambage’s last days with the Los Angeles Sparks

July 27, 2022

Prized free agent signing was never able to find her groove in Los Angeles

Olivia Nelson-Ododa jumps from under the rim with the ball over her head to go up for a layup

Olivia Nelson-Ododa impressing as a rookie

July 24, 2022

The former UConn center has turned in a solid rookie season so far for the LA Sparks

Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike dribbles with her left hand as a Connecticut Sun defender stands about an arm's length away.

Nneka Ogwumike reaches 5,000 career points mark

July 15, 2022

The bounce-back season continues for the former MVP as she achieves yet another milestone while in a Sparks jersey.

Los Angeles Sparks guards Jordin Canada (21) and Lexie Brown (4) stand next to each other during a game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., on May 14, 2022. (Photo credit: Chris Poss)

Los Angeles Sparks optimistic heading into the All-Star break

July 9, 2022

After a rough start to the season, the Sparks have seemingly turned things around

Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike dribbles with her left hand as a Connecticut Sun defender stands about an arm's length away.

Nneka Ogwumike is an All-Star starter for the first time

June 26, 2022

The 11-year veteran is having one of the best seasons of her career

Los Angeles Sparks big Nneka Ogwumike looks out at the court from the baseline behind the basket, as a ref stands next to her

How can Sparks turn things around?

June 21, 2022

There are a couple key issues that continue to hurt the Sparks as they try and turn their season around

Los Angeles Sparks point guard Jordin Canada dribbles up the court while looking upcourt

The Fred Williams era is underway

June 14, 2022

Fred Williams’ first game as Sparks head coach didn’t quite go as planned but there is reason for optimism going forward